Coin apparatus



P 11, 1962 J. T. SCHULLER 3,053,370

COIN APPARATUS Filed NOV. 2, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 L/os Sept. 11 1962 J. T. SCHULLER 3,053,370

com APPARATUS Filed NOV. 2,.1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Se t. 11, 1962 J. T. SCHULLER 3,053,370

com APPARATUS Filed NOV. 2, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIGS.

Se t. 11, 1962 J. T. SCHULLER 3,053,370

COIN APPARATUS Filed Nov. 2, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGS.

Patented Sept. 11, 1962 3,053,370 COIN APPARATUS James T. Schuller, St. Anns, Mo., assignor to National Vendors, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Filed Nov. 2, 1959, Ser. No. 850,408 34 Claims. (Cl. 194--94) This invention relates to coin apparatus and more particularly to coin-actuated apparatus for controlling the operation of a vending machine or other coin-controlled device.

The invention pertains to coin apparatus of a type having a totalizer for totalizing the value of coins received thereby and a feeler operable in conjunction with the totalizer to detect the amount registered thereby, among the several objects of the invention being the provision of coin apparatus of this character for electrically controlling the operation of a vending machine, preventing operation of the machine unless a sufiicient amount in coin has been deposited, the provision of coin apparatus of this character for electrically controlling the time of operation of a device in accordance with the amount in coin that has been deposited, and the provision of coin apparatus of this character adapted to allow a number of successive vending operations after deposit of a coin or coins in accordance with the amount deposited. Other objects and features -will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a semischematic view of a first type of coin apparatus of this invention, particularly for controlling the operation of a vending machine;

FIG. 2 is a semischematic view of a second type of coin apparatus of this invention, particularly for coin-com trolled timing operations;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are fragments of FIG. 2 illustrating moved positions of parts; and

FIG. 5 is a semischematic view similar to FIG. 2 of a third type of coin apparatus of this invention adapted to allow a number of successive vending operations in accordance with the amount deposited.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corre sponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a coin apparatus of this invention including a switch 1 which is adapted, for example, to control the operation of a vending machine. The control exerted by this switch over the vending machine may be any one of various kinds. For example, switch 1 may control a solenoid-operated latch which needs to be released to enable a purchaser to operate a knob, such as a pull-out knob, of a manual vending machine (a manual vending machine being one in which the purchaser manually supplies the power for the vending operation). Or switch 1 may control the operation of an electric motor adapted to drive the dispensing mechanism of an electrically-operated machine. In such a machine, the purchaser, after having deposited the appropriate amount in coin, manually pushes a button which effects switch closure to initiate a vending cycle. The latter type of control is illustrated in FIG. 1, a push button being indicated at 3.

Push button 3 is adapted to operate a feeler lever 5 pivoted at 7. Feeler 5 is adapted tofeel out the position of a totalizer member 9 controlled by a totalizer 11 which functions to totalize the value of coins deposited in a coin chute C in a coin chute assembly 13. Totalizer member 9 is illustrated as a disk having a notch 15, and is fixed on a shaft 17 of the totalizer 11. Feeler 5 is shown as having a long arm 19 extending upward from pivot 7 and a short arm 21 generally at right angles to arm 19. Peeler 5 is biased to the retracted position in which it appears in FIG. 1 by a spring 23, this position of the feeler being determined by engagement of arm 21 of the feeler with a. stop 25. Spring 23 biases the feeler counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 1. A coil compression spring 27 is interposed between the push button 3 and arm 19 of feeler 5 and provides a yieldable connection therebetween. When the button is manually pushed in, it acts through spring 27 to swing feeler 5 clockwise against the bias of spring 23.

Arm 19 of feeler 5 has a projection 29 movable toward and away from the disk 9. Disk 9 initially occupies a retracted or zero position in which it appears in FIG. 1. In this zero position of the disk, notch 15 is angularly displaced from feeler projection 29. If button 3 is pushed in when notch 15 is angularly displaced from projection 29, feeler 5 will swing clockwise away from its retracted position through only a minimum angle, its swing being limited by engagement of projection 29 with the outer periphery of the disk. However, when disk 9 is rotated to the position wherein notch 15 is aligned with projection 29, then pushing in of the button 3 results in swinging of feeler 5 through a maximum angle, this swing of the feeler being referred to as working movement of the feeler. When feeler 5 is in its retracted position, projection 29 is out of engagement with disk 9 so as not to impede the rotation of the disk.

Arm 21 of feeler 5 is engageable upon working movement of the feeler (swinging of the feeler through the stated maximum angle) with the actuating arm 31 of a normally open starter switch 33 to close the switch 33. An electric motor 35 is connected in a circuit 36 in series with switch 33. Accordingly, when switch 33 is closed, motor 35 is energized. Motor 35 drives via suitable speed reducing means a camshaft 37 on which is secured a cam 39 having a single lobe 41. Cam 39 is engageable with actuating arm 43 of the switch 1. Switch 1 is connected in parallel with switch 33 in circuit 36. Switch 1 is a normally closed switch, being held open when lobe 4-1 of cam 39 engages switch arm 43. Motor 35 is adapted to drive cam 39 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1, and when the cam rotates away from its FIG. 1 position wherein lobe 41 holds switch 1 open, arm 43 drops off the lobe and switch 1 closes. Thus, when starter switch 33 is closed, motor 35 is energized to drive the cam 39. Arm 43 immediately drops off the lobe 41 and switch 1 closes to hold the motor energized, even though switch 33, opens until the cam completes a single-revolution cycle and lobe 41 reopens switch 1.

Totalizer 11 may be of the same type as shown in my copending application Serial No. 799,294, filed March 13, 1959, entitled Coin Apparatus, now Patent 2,991,867, issued July 11, 1961. Essentially, it comprises a pawl car- 'rier constituted by a disk 45 which is rotatable relative to shaft 17 on the axis of the shaft 17. A trip wire 47 has one end fixed to the disk 45 at 49 and extends radially from the disk over to the coin chute assembly 13, where it has a finger 51 at its free end which extends across the coin chute C in assembly 13. For simplifying the disclosure, only one coin chute is shown, this being a chute for coins of one denomination such as nickels. Assembly 13 has an arcuate slot 53 for reception of the finger 51. Trip wire 47 is biased by a spring to swing upward to the raised retracted position in which appears in FIG. 1. For convenience, this spring is shown in FIG. 1 as a tension spring 55, but by referring to US. Patent 2,991,867 it will be seen that this spring may be a cloc spring coiled around the axis of the disk 45. I

Totalizer 11 also includes a ratchet cluster 57 fixed on the shaft 17. This ratchet cluster is formed to provide a set of driving ratchet teeth 59 and a set of holding ratchet teeth 61. It is rotatable together with totalizer disk 9. Disk 45 may rotate relative to the ratchet cluster and disk 9. A driving pawl 63 is pivoted at 65 on disk 45 and biased toward engagement with driving ratchet teeth 59 by a spring 67. A holding pawl 69 is pivoted at 71 on plate 73 of the totalizer and is biased by a spring 75 toward engagement with holding ratchet teeth 61. The ratchet cluster 57, shaft 17 and disk 9 are all biased to rotate together counterclockwise to the zero position in which they appear in FIG. 1 by a c lock spring 77. This zero position is determined by engagement of a finger 79 on the ratchet cluster with a fixed stop 81. A totalizer reset lever 83 is pivoted at 85 on plate 73. This reset lever is biased by a spring 87 to swing clockwise to a retracted position determined by its engagement with a stop 89 on plate 73. It has a tail 91 engageable with the driving pawl 63 and a pin 93 engageable with the holding pawl 69 when it swings counterclockwise away from its FIG. 1 retracted position to. release both these pawls. A reset bar 95 is mounted for sliding movement above the totalizer 11 as by means of studs 97 extending through e'longate slots 99 in the bar. Bar 95 is actuated by cam 39 via a cam follower lever 101 pivoted at 103 having a follower roller 105 at its lower end engageable by the cam and a pin-and-slot connection 107 at its upper end to one end of the bar 95. The other end of bar 95 is engageable with the upper end of feeler 5. Lever 101 is biased to swing clockwise by a spring 109 to keep roller 105 against the cam and to bias bar 95 to its FIG. 1 retracted position. Bar 95 has a projection 111 engageable with the upper end of reset lever 83 upon move ment of the bar to the left away from its retracted position.

Assuming that chute C is a nickel chute, for example, and that a one-step (one tooth spacing) advance of the ratchet cluster 57 and disk 9 is desired for each nickel deposited in the chute, slot 53 registers with chute C from the upper end of the slot through a distance such that a nickel falling in the chute swings the wire 47 downward and rotates disk 45 clockwise through such an angle as to carry driving pawl 63 back over one driving tooth 59. Then the nickel passes on by the finger 51 and the wire 47 is swung up by spring 55 so that driving pawl 63 steps the ratchet cluster and disk forward through a step corresponding to the tooth spacing. The ratchet cluster and disk 9 are then held in the attained position against the return bias of spring 77 by the holding pawl 69 and the driving pawl. The first nickel steps the ratchet cluster and disk 9 forward one step from the zero position, the second nickel steps them forward another step, and so on. Assuming that the purchase price is twenty-five cents, for example, the notch 15 in the zero position of disk 9 will be five steps back from registration with projection 29 on feeler 5, and five nickels need to be deposited in chute C to bring notch 15 around through five steps into registration with projection 29.

-If an insufficient number of nickels is deposited, meaning that notch 15 is not brought around into registration with projection 29 on feeler lever 5, operation of push button 3 is ineffecitve to close the starter switch 33. This is because feeler is blocked from working movement by disk 9. It can swing clockwise through only a small angle before projection 29 engages the outer periphery of the disk 9, this angle of swing being insufficient for feeler 5 to close switch 33. However, if a sufficient number of nickels is deposited to bring notch 15 around into registration with projection 29, then operation of push button 3 is effective to accomplish working movement of the feeler to close starter switch 33. This is because projection 29 can then enter notch 15, permitting feeler 4 5 to swing clockwise through a sufiicient angle to close switch 33.

When switch 33 closes, motor 35 is energized, and cam 39 is driven clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1. Push button 3 is held depressed until cam 39 has rotated to the point where cam lobe 41 clears switch arm 43. The latter then drops to close switch 1. Now the latter acts to hold motor 35 in operation so that the cam 39 continues to rotate. tAS the cam continues to rotate, cam lobe 41 engages the follower roller 105 at the lower end of lever 101 and rocks lever 101 counterclockwise. Lever 101 thereupon drives reset bar to the left as viewed in FIG. 1. Ordinarily, the push button 3 will have been released by this time, and the feeler 5 will have been returned to its retracted position by spring 23 so that projection 29 will be out of the notch 15 in disk 9. If not, bar 95 will push on the upper end of the feeler 5 to swing feeler 5 counterclockwise to retract projection 29 from notch 15 in disk 9. This retraction of feeler 5 even though the push button should be held in is permitted by the spring 27, which yields as the feeler 5 rocks counterclockwise back to retracted position. It occurs before projection 111 actuates reset lever 83. Then projection 111 on the reset bar 95 engages the upper end of reset lever 83, rocking the latter clockwise to release both the driving pawl 63 and the holding pawl 69. Spring 77 then returns the ratchet cluster 57 and the disk 9 to zero position. Finally, as the cam 39 completes a one-revolution cycle, cam lobe 41 pushes switch arm 43 upward to open switch 1 and shut off the motor 35. Thus, all parts are returned to their initial position in readiness for the next cycle.

Motor 35 may act to drive the dispensing mechanism of an electrically operated vending machine, as well as acting to drive the cam 39. Such a dispensing mechanism is shown, for example, in Fry US. Patent 2,594,- 147, issued April 22, 1952. In such case, operation of the camshaft 37 through one revolution accomplishes one vending cycle. Or switch 1, in addition to serving as a holding switch for motor 35, may act when closed to complete a circuit through a separate motor for powering the dispensing mechanism. Or switch 1 may act when closed to energize a solenoid to release a latch in a manual vending machine such as is shown, for example, in Ridings et al. US. Patent 2,872,009, issued February 3, 1959.

For simplicity, the apparatus has been described above as a single-coin, single-price apparatus. It will be readily understood that it may be made a multiple-coin apparatus by adding coinchutes for coins of additional denominations. For example, a dime chute and a quarter chute may be used as in US. Patent 2,991,867. Reference may be made to that patent for full details. It will also be readily understood that the apparatus may be made a multiple-price apparatus by adding additional push buttons 3, feelers 5 and disks 9, the latter then being referred to as price disks. For example, to make the apparatus a three-price apparatus, there would be three feelers 5, one for each of the three prices, and three disks 9 on shaft 17, one for each of the three feelers. Assume that the three prices were twenty-five cents, thirty cents, and thirty-five cents. Push buttons for twenty-five cent items would actuate a twenty-five cent feeler. Push buttons for thirty cent items would actuate a thirty cent feeler. Push buttons for thirty-five cent items would actuate a thirty-five cent feeler. The twenty-five cent feeler would feel into a twenty-five cent disk 9,

.mounted on shaft 17 to require a five-step advance from Zero position for operation of the respective feeler. The thirty-cent feeler would feel into a thirty cent disk 9, mounted on shaft 17 to require a six-step advance from zero position for operation of the respective feeler. The thirty-five cent feeler would feel into a thirty-five cent disk 9, mounted on shaft 17 to require a seven-step advance from zero position for operation of the respective feeler.

FIG. 2 illustrates another coin apparatus of this invention adapted for controlling the time of operation of a device (such as a coin-controlled dryer for laundry or appliance) or for controlling the operation of a vending machine. The FIG. 2 apparatus includes a switch 121 adapted to be closed by a first coin deposited in coin chute C and to remain closed for an interval determined by the total value of coins deposited in the chute as registered by a totalizer 11a. Switch 121 has an actuating member constituted by a trip wire 123 extending from the case of the switch to the coin chute assembly 13, where it has a finger 125 at its free end extending across chute C. Chute assembly 13 has an arcuate slot 127 receiving finger 125 and carries a latch 129 pivoted at \130 for latching the switch-actuating trip wire 123 in the lowered switch-closing position of the wire illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 2. Switch 121 includes spring means biasing wire 123 to swing upward to the normal raised switch-open position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 2. A coin falling in chute C, after having actuated trip wire 47 of the totalizer 11a, engages finger 125 on wire 123, and swings the wire 123 downward. The latch is formed with a curved edge portion 131 extending down to a shoulder 132. When finger 125 moves downward, it engages curved edge portion 131 and pushes aside the latch 129 until it passes off the curved edge portion, and then the latch swings back under a return gravity bias to bring latch shoulder 132 over the finger to hold the wire 123 down in switchclosing position against the upward return bias on the wire.

Switch trip wire 123 remains latched down in switchclosing position until latch 129 is released by a trip 133 pivoted at 135 on the coin chute assembly 13. Trip 133 hangs down from its pivot 135 and is biased clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 by a spring 137 to a retracted position against a stop 139. Trip 133 has a tab 141 at its lower end engageable with a tab 143 at the lower end of latch 129 when trip 133 swings counterclockwise away from its retracted position for releasing the latch 129, i.e., for moving latch shoulder 132 off finger 12.5 on switch trip wire 123. Trip 133 also has a finger 145 above latch shoulder 131 and below the upper end of slot 127 which comes into position to intercept finger 125 on wire 123 when trip 133 swings counterclockwise away from retracted position, thereby to arrest wire 123 when released from latch 129 and keep it from swinging all the way back upward to its raised switch-open position until trip 133 is returned to retracted posiiton.

Trip 133 is adapted to be actuated by a link 147 from a feeler 149, constituted by a lever pivoted at 15 1. Feeler 149 has a projection 153 at one end (its upper end as appears in FIG. 2) movable toward and away from a disk 9a having a notch 15a and fixed on shaft 17a of totalizer 11a. At its lower end below pivot 151, feeler 149 has a laterally extending ear 155 engageable by a cam follower arm 157 also pivoted at 151. A spring 159 is connected between the upper end of arm 157 and feeler 149 providing a yieldable connection between the arm and the feeler and biasing ear 155 against the arm. A spring 161 biases arm 157 and feeler 149 counterclockwise to a retracted position against a stop 163. In this retracted position of the feeler 149, projection 153 is out of engagement with the disk 9a so as not to impede its rotation.

Link 147 is pin-connected at one end as indicated at 167 to the feeler 149, and has a bottom notch 169 at its other end where it bears on a pin 171 on latch trip 133. The arrangement is such that upon a full clockwise stroke of feeler 149 away from its retracted position, as permitted by entry of projection 153 in notch 15a of disk 9a when notch 15a registers with projection 153, link 147 is moved toward the right to actuate latch trip 133. This full stroke of the feeler is referred to as working movement of the feeler. out of register with projection 153, feeler 149 is blocked from working movement. It can then swing only through a small angle less than full stroke, its swing being limited by engagement of projection 153 with the periphery of disk 9a, and this limited swing is insufficient to actuate the trip 133.

Switch 121 is connected in series with an electrically powered device 173 to be controlled thereby in a circuit 174. Device 173 may, for example, be an electrical appliance such as a dryer. An electric motor 175 is connected in parallel with device 173 in circuit 174. Motor 175 drives via suitable speed reducing means a camshaft 177 on which is secured a cam 179. This cam rotates counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2. It has a lobe 181 adapted once each revolution thereof for engagement with a follower 183 at the lower end of follower arm 157 to rock arm 157 and feeler 149 clockwise.

Totalizer 11a comprises a pawl carrier or disk 45 (the same as in totalizer 11) rotatable relative to shaft 17a on the axis of shaft 17a. Disk 45 carries trip wire 47 having finger 51 at its free end extending across coin' chute C through slot 53, and wire 47 is biased to swing upward by spring 55, the same as in totalizer 11. Totalizer 11a includes a ratchet cluster 57a fixed on shaft 17a which is similar to cluster 57 of totalizer 11 in having driving ratchet teeth 59 and holding ratchet teeth 61, but which additionally has a set of escapement teeth 185. Disk 9a is fixed on shaft 17a in such position relative to cluster 57a that in the zero position, notch 15a registers with projection 153. The only other difference between totalizer 11a and totalizer 11 is that, in totalizer 11a, reset lever 83 has a finger 187 adapted on movement of lever 83 away from retracted position to enter between two adjacent escapement teeth 185 before lever 83 releases the pawls 63 and 69 to limit the escape of the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a to less than one step. Then, when lever 83 swings back to retracted position, finger 187 is withdrawn from between the escapement teeth after the pawls have returned into engagement with the driving teeth 59 and holding teeth 61, and the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a complete an escape through one step (i.e., one tooth spacing). A lever 189- pivoted at 191 has a cam follower roller 193' at its lower end engageable by cam 179 and an arm 195 at its upper end engageable with the upper end of reset lever 83. Lever 189 is biased clockwise to a retracted position against a stop 197 by a spring 199.

Assuming that chute C of the FIG. 2 apparatus is a nickel chute, for example, each nickel deposited in the chute will step the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a one step (one tooth spacing) forward (counterclockwise). This occurs by reason of the nickel engaging finger 51 on trip wire 4-7 and swinging wire 47 downward, the action being exactly the same as in totalizer 11. The first nickel steps the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a forward (counterclockwise) one step from the FIG. 2 zero position and also hits the switch-actuating trip Wire 123 to swing it down to its switch-closing position wherein Ell". is held by latch 129. Each additional nickel steps the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9!: forward (counterclockwise) one additional step, and the ratchet cluster and disk are held in any attained advanced position against the return bias of spring 77 by the pawls 63 and 69.

Assuming that three nickels are deposited, for example, one after another, the ratchet cluster 57a and the disk Will be advanced three steps from the zero position, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Switch 121 will be closed when the first nickel hits finger on switch trip wire 123. With switch 121. closed, and held closed by latch 129, the controlled device 173 and the motor are both energized. Motor 175 drives cam 179 counterclockwise, the cam starting from the position in which it is shown in FIG. 2. During the initial phase of the first revolution of However, if notch 15a is the cam, it acts to swing the lever 189 counterclockwise away from its retracted position. The arm 195 at the upper end of lever 1S9 engages the upper end of reset lever 83 and swings the latter counterclockwise. Finger 187 on the reset lever 83 enters between the escapement teeth 185 and then pawls 63 and 69 are released to allow cluster 57a and disk 94: to escape (rotate backwards) under the bias of return spring 77 to the extent permitted by finger 187 (which is somewhat less'than one full step), as shown in FIG. 4. Then when the lobe 181 of cam 179 passes by the follower 193, lever 189 returns to its retracted position under the return bias of spring 199'. This permits reset lever 83 to return to its retracted position under the return bias of spring 87. As the reset lever 88 returns to retracted position, pawls 63 and 69 are returned into engagement with teeth 59 and 61 before finger 187 disengages from the escapement teeth 185. Accordingly, ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a complete their escape through one step, and hence are now two steps forward from zero position.

The lobe 181 on cam 179 then engages follower 183 or arm 157 and rocks this arm clockwise against the bias of spring 161. Feeler 149 is blocked from working movement by disk 9a (which is now two steps forward of its zero position). However, arm 157 may swing clockwise relative to feeler 149, spring 159 yielding to permit this. With feeler 149 blocked from working movement, switch 121 remains closed. Accordingly, the motor 175 and device 173 remain energized, and the cam 175 continues to rotate. During the second revolution of the cam, lever 189 is again actuated to actuate lever 83 to effect escape of ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a through another step. Near the end of the second revolution of the cam, arm 157 is again swung clockwise, but feeler 149 is still blocked from working movement by disk 9a, and spring 159 yields to allow arm 157 to swing. Accordingly, the motor 175 and device 173 remain energized, and the cam continues to rotate. During the third revolution of the cam, lever 189 is again actuated to actuate lever 83 to effect escape of ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a through a third step, which brings them back to zero position. Near the end of the third revolution of the cam, arm 157 is again swung clockwise, and this time it swing feeler 149 through a working stroke, since notch a in disk 9a is now in register with projection 153 on the feeler.

When feeler 149 swings clockwise through a working stroke, it drives link 147 to move the trip 133 away from its retracted position. The trip 133 releases the latch 129, but switch trip wire 123 is prevented from swinging back up to switch-open position by finger 145 on the trip. This keeps switch 121 closed and motor 175 and cam 179 in operation until the cam lobe 181 has passed by the cam follower 183 at the lower end of arm 157. Then arm 157 is released to return counterclockwise to its retracted position, carrying feeler 149 back to its retracted position, and dragging link 147 back to allow trip 133 to return to its retracted position. As trip 133 returns to its retracted position, finger 145 releases wire 123 to allow it to complete its upward swing to open the switch 121. Motor 175 then stops (with cam 179 in the FIG. 2 position) and device 173 is deencrgized.

If only one nickel is deposited, the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a will be advanced only one step, and W111 escape back one step to zero position on the first revolution of the cam 179. Thus, device 173 will be energized for the length of time it takes cam 179 to make one revolution. If two nickels are deposited, the ratchet cluster 57a and disk 9a will be advanced two steps, and will escape back one step on the first revolution of the cam, and another step back to zero position on the second revolution of the cam. Thus, device 173 will be energized for the length of time it takes cam 179 to make two revolutions. The operation on deposit of three nickels has been described, and the operation on deposit of four, five or more nickelswill be apparent. One nickel provides for energization of device 173 for a unit of time, and deposit of a plurality of nickels provides for operation of device 173 for this unit of time multiplied by the number of nickels. Accordingly, the FIG. 2 apparatus is particularly adapted for controlling the time of operation of a coin-controlled appliance in accordance with the total value of coins deposited. The FIG. 2 apparatus may be made a multiple coin apparatus by adding coin chutes for coins of additional denominations. For example, a dime chute a quarter chute may be used as in US. Patent 2,991,867.

The FIG. 2 apparatus could also be used to control vending operations by having motor 175 drive a dispensing mechanism, effecting one vending cycle on each revolution of the cam 179, for example. In such case, the apparatus would perform a number of vending cycles corresponding to the amount deposited. For example, if a nickel is a coin of unit value as above described, deposit of three nickels would effect three vending cycles. It is also possible that the arrangement could be used to perform change-making operations, a first cycle thereof accomplishing a vending operation and successive cycles accomplishing change-dispensing operations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an adaptation of certain features of the FIG. 2 apparatus to a manual vending machine for allowing a number of successive manual vending operations in accordance with the amount deposited. In the FIG. 5 apparatus, the switch 121 of FIG. 2 is replaced by a latch mechanism including a trip wire 201 pivoted at 203 and having finger 205 at one end (corresponding to finger 125 of FIG. 2) extending across coin chute C through slot 127. A latch 207 hangs down from the other end of Wire 201 and controls the operation of a manually operable pull-out rod 209. This rod has a lug 211 engageable with the lower end of latch 207 when the latter is down. Latch 207 is normally biased down (as by gravity) and hence tends to swing wire 201 counterclockwise to its FIG. 5 retracted position. Cam- 179, instead of being driven by an electric motor as in FIG. 2, is mechanically driven by a one-way drive such as pawl and ratchet mechanism 213 which is actuated each time the rod 209 is pulled out from its FIG. 5 retracted postion and returned to its retracted position by return spring 215. The pawl and ratch mechanism 213 comprises a ratchet 217 and a pawl 219 carried by the rod 209 adapted to advance the ratchet one step upon each reciprocation of the rod 209. The ratchet is connected by suitable gearing 221 to rotate cam 179 one revolution upon each advance step of the ratchet. In other respects, the FIG. 5 apparatus corresponds to the FIG. 2 apparatus.

Assuming that chute C of the FIG. 5 apparatus is a nickel chute, like the chute C of the FIG. 2 apparatus, each nickel deposited in the chute will step the disk 9a one step forward. Assuming that three nickels are deposited, for example, one after another, disk 9a will be advanced three steps from its FIG. 5 zero position. The first of the three nickels hits trip wire 201 and swings it clockwise, and the wire 201 becomes latched down by the latch 129 in the same manner as the Wire 123 is latched down in the FIG. 2 apparatus. When the trip wire 201 is swung downward, latch 207 is pulled up clear of the lug 211 on the pull-out rod 209, and latch 207 remains in its raised retracted position as long as trip wire 20 1 is latched down by the latch 129. Now the pull-out rod 209 is free to be pulled out.

Upon a first actuation of the pull-out rod 209 (which, as will be readily understood, accompanies a first dispensing operation), the ratchet mechanism 213 functions to rotate the cam 179 counterclockwise through one revolution. This effects return rotation of the disk 9a through one step to a position two steps forward from zero position via actuation of lever 189, the operation being the same as above described in conjunction with the FIG. 2

apparatus. Feeler 149 is then blocked from working movement by disk 9a. Upon a second actuation of pullout rod 209, which effects another dispensing operation, the cam l79 is driven through a second revolution, which eflects escape of disk 9a through another step to a position one step forward of zero position. Again, feeler 149 is blocked from working movement by disk 9a. On a third actuation of the rod 209, which effects a third dispensing operation, the disk 9a escapes to zero position, and as the cam 179 completes the third revolution, it swings feeler 149 through a working stroke, since notch 15a in disk 9a is now in register with projection 153 on the feeler. When feeler 149 swings clockwise through a working stroke, it drives link 147 to move the trip 133 away from its retracted position. The trip 133 then releases the latch 129, but the trip wire 201 is prevented from swinging all the way back up by finger 145 on the trip. Finally, when the cam lobe 181 has passed by the cam follower 133 at the lower end of arm 157, the arm 157 is released to return to its retracted position, carrying feeler 149 back to its retracted position, and dragging link 147 back to allow trip 133 to return to its retracted position. As trip 13? returns to its retracted position, finger 145 releases wire 201 to allow it to complete its up Ward swing, thereby moving the latch 207 back down to latching position. This locks out the pull-out rod 209 from further operation until further coins are deposited.

tln view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above con-' structions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by .acoin falling in the chute for advancing said totalizer member and for holding said totalizer member in any attained advanced position thereby to add up and register the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, means for releasing said totalizer member to allow for return movement thereof under its bias, electrically powered means for actuating said releasing means connected in a circuit including a switch controlled by the feeler, the feeler on working movement thereof being adapted to operate the switch, and being blocked out from operating the switch by said totalizer member when the latter is in a position preventing working movement of the feeler, and means actuated by a coin falling in the chute for closing the switch and holding it closed, the feeler being adapted on working movement thereof to open the switch.

2. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for closing the switch and holding it closed com prises a switch-actuating member movable from a retracted position to an operative position by a coin falling in the chute, and means for latching said switch, actuating memher in operative position, the feeler being adapted on working movement thereof to release said latching means.

2. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said capement means for permitting return of said totalizer member one step from any advanced position upon actuation of said releasing means.

4. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said electrically powered means is adapted to move said feeler in the direction toward said totalizer member.

5. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including a l 10 yieldable connection between said electrically powered means and said feeler adapted to yield to allow operation of said electrically powered means when said feeler is blocked out by said totalizer member.

6. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for advancing said totalizer member and for holding said totalizer member in any attained advanced position thereby to add up and register the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, manually operable means movable away from a retracted position for moving said feeler away from retracted position, an electric motor, cam means driven by the motor, said motor being connected in a circuit including a first switch actuable by the feeler on working movement of the feeler for starting the motor and a second switch actuable by the cam means adapted to hold the motor in operation for a cycle of the cam means upon return of the feeler to retracted position, and means actuable by the cam means for releasing said totalizer member to allow for return movement thereof under its bias.

7. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 6 including a yieldable connection between said manually operable means and said feeler allowing said feeler to be returned to retracted position if said manually operable means is held away from its retracted position.

8. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said releasing means is adapted to move said feeler toward its retracted position before the release of said totalizer member.

9. Coin apparatus comprising a ratchet and a totalizer member rotatable together in a forward direction away from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, a driving pawl for the ratchet, a member engageable by a coin falling in the chute and operable by the weight of the coin for actuating the driving pawl to rotate the ratchet and totalizer member forward, a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for holding the ratchet and totalizer member in any attained position, means for releasing the pawls to allow for return rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member under their return bias, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said feeler when in retracted position being out of engagement with the totalizer member so as not to impede the rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member by a coin, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, manually operable means movable away from a retracted position for moving said feeler away from retracted position, an electric motor, cam means driven by the motor, said motor being con nected in a circuit including a first switch actuable by the feeler on working movement of the feeler for starting the motor and a second switch actuable by the cam means adapted to hold the motor in operation for a cycle of the cam upon return of the feeler to retracted position, and means actuable by the cam means for actuating said pawl releasing means to allow for return rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member.

10. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including a yieldable connection between said manually operable means and said feeler allowing said feeler to be returned to retracted position if said manually operable means is held away from its retracted position.

11. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pawl releasing means is adapted to move said feeler toward its retracted position before the release of said pawls.

12. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for advancing said totalizer member and for holding said totalizer member in any attained advanced position thereby to add up and register the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, an electric motor connected in a circuit including a switch, cam means driven by the motor for actuating the feeler, means actuated by a coin falling in the chute for closing the switch and holding it closed thereby to energize the motor, and means actuated by the feeler on working movement thereof for opening the switch thereby to deenergize the motor.

13. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for closing the switch and holding it closed comprises a switch-actuating member movable from a retracted position to an operative position by a coin falling in the chute and biased to return to retracted position, and a latch adapted to latch said switch-actuating member in operative position, said means for opening the switch being adapted to release said latch.

14. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 12 further comprising means actuable by the cam means for releasing the totalizer member to allow for return movement thereof under its bias.

l5. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for stepping said totalizer member forward and for holding said totalizer member in any attained stepped position, the number of steps through which the totalizer member is advanced corresponding to the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in the retracted position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in advanced positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, escapement means adapted on actuation thereof to permit return of said totalizer member one step from any stepped position, an electric motor connected in a circuit including a switch, cam means driven by the motor for actuating the feeler and said escapement means, means actuated by a coin falling in the chute for closing the switch and holding it closed thereby to energize the motor, and means actuated by the feeler on working movement thereof for opening the switch thereby to deenergize the motor, the feeler being blocked from working movement by the totalizer member whenever the totalizer member is stepped forward from retracted position and the motor and cam means then remaining in operation until the totalizer member has been stepped back to retracted position by actuation of said escapement means.

16. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 15 including a yieldable connection between said cam means and feeler adapted to yield to allow continued operation of said cam means when said feeler is blocked out by said totalizer member.

17. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said means for closing the switch and holding it closed comprises a switch-actuating member movable from a retracted position to an operative position 'by a coin falling in the chute and biased to return to retracted position, and a latch adapted to latch said switch-actuating member in operative position, said means for opening the switch being adapted to release said latch.

18. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein the means for opening the switch includes a trip movable away from a retracted position by the feeler on working movement of the feeler and adapted to trip said latch on movement away from retracted position, said trip including means for holding the switch-actuating member against return to retracted position until the trip returns toward its retracted position.

19. Coin apparatus comprising a ratchet and a totalizer member rotatable together in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, a driving pawl for the ratchet, a member engageable by a coin falling in the chute and operable by the weight of the coin for actuating the driving pawl to rotate the ratchet and totalizer member forward, a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for holding the ratchet and totalizer member in any attained position, escapement means for releasing the pawls to allow for return rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member one step from any stepped position, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said feeler when in retracted position being out of engagement with the totalizer member so as not to impede rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member by a coin, said totalizer member being so formed that in the retracted position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in advanced posi tions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, an electric motor connected in a circuit including a switch, cam means driven by the motor for actuating the feeler and said escapement means, means actuated by a coin falling in the chute for closing the switch and holding it closed thereby to energize the motor, and means actuated by the feeler on Working movement thereof for opening the switch thereby to deenergize the motor, the feeler being blocked from working movement by the totalizer member whenever the totalizer member is moved to an advanced position and the motor and cam means then remaining in operation until the totalizer member has been returned to retracted position by actuation of said escapement means.

20. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said circuit also has connected therein an electrically powered means for control by said switch and adapted to be energized as long as said switch is closed.

21. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 19 including a yieldable connection between said cam means and feeler adapted to yield to allow continued operation of said cam means when said feeler is blocked out by said totalizer member.

22. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein said means for closing the switch and holding it closed comprises a switch-actuating member movable from a retracted position to an operative position by a coin falling in the chute and biased to return to retracted position, and a latch adapted to latch said switch-actuating member in operative position, said means for opening the switch being adapted to release said latch.

23. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein the means for opening the switch includes a trip movable away from a retracted position by the feeler on working movement of the feeler and adapted to trip said latch on movement away from retracted position, said trip having means for holding the switch-actuating member against return to retracted position until the trip returns toward its retracted position.

24. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for advancing said totalizer member and for holding said totalizer member in any attained advanced position thereby to add up and register the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapated for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, means for releasing said totalizer member to allow for return movement thereof under its bias, cam means for actuating said releasing means, and control means for said cam means, said feeler on working movement thereof being adapted to actuate said control means, said cam means comprising a cam rotatable in single-revolution cycles and adapted on each revolution to actuate said releasing means. i

25. Coin apparatus comprising a ratchet and a totalizer member rotatable together in a forward direction away from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, a driving pawl for the ratchet, a member engageable by a coin falling in the chute and operable by the weight of the coin for actuating the driving pawl to rotate the ratchet and totalizer member forward, a holding pawl engage-able with the ratchet for holding the ratchet and totalizer member in any attained position, means for releasing the pawls to allow for return rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member under their return bias, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said feeler when in retracted position being out of engagement with the totalizer member so as not to impede the rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member by a coin, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, cam means for actuating said pawl releasing means, and control means for said cam means, said feeler on working movement thereof being adapted to actuate said control means, said cam means comprising a cam rotatable in single-revolution cycles and adapted on each revolution to actuate said releasing means.

26. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member 'adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for stepping said totalizer member forward and for holding said totalizer member in any attained stepped position, the number of steps through which the totalizer member is advanced corresponding to the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in the retracted position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in advanced positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, escapement means adapted on actuation thereof to permit return of said totalizer member one step from any stepped position, cam means for actuating the feeler and said escapement means, manually operable means adapted to actuate said cam means, means for locking said manually operable means out of operation, means actuated by a. coin falling in the chute for moving the locking means to retracted position and holding it therein to allow operation of said manually operable means, and means actuated by the feeler on working movement thereof for returning said locking means to locking position, the feeler being blocked from working movement by the totalizer member whenever the totalizer member is stepped forward from retracted position and the locking means remaining in retracted position until the totalizer member has been stepped back to retracted position by actuation of said escapement means in response to operation of said manually operable means.

27. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 26 including a yieldable connection between said cam means and feeler adapted to yield to allow continued operation of said cam means when said feeler is blocked out by said totalizer member.

28. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 26 whereinv the means for moving the locking means comprises a member movable from a retracted position to an operative position by a coin falling in the chute and biased to return to retracted position, and a latch adapted to latch said member in operative position, said means for returning said locking means being adapted to release said latch.

29. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein said manually operable means comprises a member movable away from and back to a retracted position, and a one-way drive mechanism between this member and the cam.

30. Coin apparatus comprising a ratchet and a totalizer member rotatable together in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement to Ward retracted position, a coin chute, a driving pawl for the ratchet, a member engageable by a coin falling in the chute and operable by the weight of the coin for actuating the driving pawl to rotate the ratchet and totalizer member forward, a holding pawl engeable with the ratchet for holding the ratchet and totailzer member in any attained position, escapement means for releasing the pawls to allow for return rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member one step from any stepped position, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said feeler when in retracted position being out of engagement with the totalizer member so as not to impede rotation of the ratchet and totalizer member by a coin, said totalizer member being so formed that in the retracted position thereof it allows working movement of the feeler and in advanced positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, cam means for actuating the feeler and said escapement means, manually operable means adapted to actuate said cam means, means for locking said manually operable means out of operation, means actuated by a coin falling in the chute for moving the locking means to retracted position and holding it therein to allow operation of said manually operable means, and means actuated by the feeler on working movement thereof for returning said locking means to locking position, the feeler being blocked from working movement by the totalizer member whenever the totalizer member is stepped forward from retracted position and the locking means remaining in retracted position until the totalizer member has been stepped back to retracted position by actuation of said escapement means in response to operation of said manually operable means.

31. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 30 including a yieldable connection between said cam means and feeler adapted to yield to allow continued operation of said cam means when said feeler is blocked out by said totalizer member.

32. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein the means for moving the locking means comprises a member movable from a retracted position to an operative position by a coin falling in the chute and biased to return to retracted position, and a latch adapted to latch said member in operative position, said means for returning said locking means being adapted to release said latch.

33. Coin apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said manually operable means comprises a member movable away from and back to a retracted position, and a oneway drive mechanism between this member and the cam.

64. Coin apparatus comprising a totalizer member adapted for advance movement in a forward direction from a retracted position and biased for return movement toward retracted position, a coin chute, means operable by a coin falling in the chute for advancing said totalizer member and for holding said totalizer member in any attained advanced position thereby to add up and register the total value of coins deposited in the chute, a feeler adapted for movement away from a retracted position toward the totalizer member, said totalizer member being so formed that in one position thereof it allows working 15 movement of the feeler and in other positions thereof it prevents working movement of the feeler, means for releasing said totalizer member to allow for return movement thereof under its bias, electrically powered means for actuating said releasing means connected in a circuit including a switch controlled by the feeler, the feeler on working movement thereof being adapted to operate the switch, and being blocked out from operating the switch by said totalizer member when the latter is in a position preventing working movement of the feeler, manually operable means movable away from a retracted position for moving said feeler away from retracted position, and a yieldable connection between said manually operable means and said feeler allowing said feeler to be returned to retracted position if said manually operable means is 15 16 held away from its retracted position, said electrically powered means being adapted to move said feeler toward its retracted position before the release of said totalizer member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,251,994 Gallagher Aug. 12, 1941 10 2,317,593 Dooley Apr. 27, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS 4,470 Great Britain of 1912 29,102 Great Britain of 1911 531,294 Great Britain Jan. 1, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3,053,370 September 11, 1962 James T. Schuller It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 6 line 62, for "conuterclockwise" read counterclockwise column 7, line 22 for "or" read on line 43 for "swing" read swings column 8 line 11,, after la'fl second occurrence, insert and line 45, for "ratch" read w ratchet column 9 line 65, for "switch actuating" read switch-actuating line 68, for claim "2 read 3 same line 68 for wherein said" read including 3 line 69, for "capement" read escapement column 10 line 74 for the claim reference numeral "8" read 1O This certificate supercedes Certificate of Correction issued February l9 19630 Signed and sealed this 23rd day of April 1963,

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,053,370 September 11, 1962 James T. Schuller It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 6 line 62 for "conuterclockwise'" read counterclockwise column 7, line 22, for "or" read on line 43, for-"swing" read swings column 8, line 11-, after "a", second occurrence, insert and line 45, for "ratch" read ratchet column 9, line 65, for "switch actuating" read switch-actuating line 68 for claim "2" read 3 same line 68, for "wherein said' read including column 10, line 74, for the claim reference numeral "8" read 1O Signed and sealed this 19th day of February 1963.

(SEAL) Attest:

ESTON G. JOHNSON DAVID L. LADD Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

